The Portland Fire Department says a 21-year veteran firefighter died during a recreational scuba dive while off duty on Monday.

Capt. Michael Kucsma's body was was recovered from the water in the area of Portland Yacht Services Monday afternoon.

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He was reported missing by a diving partner at 3:40 p.m. Officials said he was diving with seven others.

During a news conference Tuesday morning, officials said Kucsma was an avid and experienced driver.

Kucsma joined the department in 1993 as a firefighter and was promoted to the rank of captain in 2006. He was assigned to Engine 6 at Bramhall Station on Congress Street.

"Rescues of this nature are never easy, but when it's a co-worker it is that much harder on everyone involved. When you spend this amount of time with someone and place the kind of trust in each other as we do, we become a big family. It's just a devastating loss for everyone. We will provide whatever support is needed for his family at home and his co-workers here in Portland," said Portland Fire Chief Jerome Lamoria.

Lamoria said counselors and peer-support personnel have been called in to provide support to the family, the responding crews as well as Kucsma's co-workers who are off duty today.

Members of the fire department described him as well-respected, well-loved, highly trained and a professional.

"I know not hearing his voice on the radio is going to be tough," said firefighter John Brooks.

Brooks worked with Kucsma the entire 21 years he was there.

"Mike Kucsma knew his job, came to work every day and made a difference," said Brooks.

Brooks said the department is like a family, and he knew he could always trust Kucsma to keep them safe.

"I can tell you a story about two buildings we had on fire in Munjoy Hill, and when you have two buildings on fire going at the same time, you lack resources very quickly. But when I was in that hallway and I heard Mike coming, I knew we were going to be OK, because I knew he would get the job done and he did, and those two buildings are still standing," said Brooks

As part of protocol, Portland police are investigating the incident.

"We're working with the medical examiner's office to complete that investigation, but we don't have anything at this point that leads us to believe there is anything suspicious," said Portland Police Chief Michael Sauschuck.